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Sri Lanka History

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SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1 - Depart
Fly from Heathrow to Colombo, arriving the next day. Other departure points including Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow are also available.

Day 2 - Habarana
You’ll be met on arrival at Colombo airport by your Car & Driver and taken to Habarana, where you’ll check in to your hotel for a three night stay. We have a selection of hotels available in the Habarana area.

Habarana is a great base from which to explore much of the Cultural Triangle as it is roughly central within easy reach of Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. It is also an ideal gateway to safaris in both the Habarana Jungle and the Minneriya Sanctuary, home to a great many Sri Lankan elephants as well as the leopard, loris and sloth bear.

Day 4 - Habarana to Anuradhapura

Continue with your Car & Driver to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, perhaps travelling via the spiritual location of Mihintale en route, although there are quite a few steps involved so it’s best to arrive earlier in the morning. Check in to your Anuradhapura hotel for a two night stay.

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ideal addition to any itinerary, Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th Century B.C. and offers well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It sits on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya, and is surrounded by Buddhist monasteries and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Whilst some of the ancient buildings are little more than rubble, many are still almost intact and wandering around them is breathtaking, so make sure to leave some time in your itinerary to really explore.

Day 6 - Trincomalee to Polonnaruwa

Continue to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, perhaps travelling via Minneriya National Park, renowned for its elephants. On arrival in to Polonnaruwa check in to your hotel for a two night stay.

For three centuries Polonnaruwa was the royal capital of both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms, and its 1000 years of history is easy to explore and experience. Highlights include the buildings of the Royal Palace, and the Quadrangle, a compact group of fascinating buildings that are raised up and bounded by a wall. Hire a bicycle to explore the area.

Day 8 - Return or Beach Extension
Return to Colombo airport by road, where your Driver will say goodbye and you will return to the UK.

Alternatively, extend your Sri Lanka holiday with a stay in one of the wonderful beach hotels - we have a wide selection available. Your Driver will say goodbye when you arrive at your beach hotel, and pretty much any duration is possible on the beach. You’ll then be transferred back to Colombo airport for your flight home. It’s also possible to extend your Sri Lanka itinerary with a stay on the beaches of the Maldives or elsewhere.

HABARANA, ANURADHAPURA & POLONNARUWA by CAR & DRIVER

Visit Habarana and explore the ancient capitals of the north with this flexible multicentre holiday, with your own private Car + Driver taking you wherever you want to go!

You'll be met at Colombo airport on arrival by your Car & Driver, and your Driver will be with you until you return to the airport at the end of your trip. You can take in and sights that you wish at your own pace - all you need to do is pay entrance fees locally. There’s no mileage limitation and your Driver will discuss your itinerary to create the perfect trip - they’re full of local knowledge and will have plenty of suggestions for you! If you’re extending your stay in Sri Lanka at one of the beach hotels then your Driver will say goodbye when you arrive there, and we’ll arrange a transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

2019 package holidays Sri Lanka Car & Driver holidays Prices are per person based on two sharing.

Prices include flights, transfers and accommodation, and are subject to availability. Flights from Heathrow - other departures also available, call for details.

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